More concerns as grass grows higher

More concerns as grass grows higher

22 July 2015

CONCERN is mounting across the district about overgrown grass verges posing major problems for drivers and the explosion of weeds in a number of towns and villages.

Politicians are concerned that sight lines at a number of road junctions have been almost totally obscured by grass verges growing out of control, posing a major danger to road users.

The Shanes Road junction with the Downpatrick Road outside Killyleagh has been described as “particularly dangerous” due to obscured sight lines, while residents in Killyleagh are concerned that weeds are growing wildly out of control at a number of locations throughout the town.

Strangford MP Jim Shannon has called on senior Department of Regional Development (DRD) officials to ensure road safety remains a priority across the Province. He said it’s his understanding roads officials have a variety of factors to consider when cutting grass verges with the availability of funds at the top of that list. 

“I appreciate how difficult it has been for all the government departments this year but I am contacted frequently by constituents who are concerned about high grass verges, particularly those growing out over footpaths forcing pedestrians onto busy roads, or those at junctions which impact upon sight lines,” he explained.

“I understand this issue has also been raised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union so I hope that TransportNI will take heed of this because it is a most serious safety concern indeed.”

Mr Shannon said TransportNI must ensure it is making “safety a priority” and guaranteeing that the relevant funds are found so the necessary works can be undertaken.

He added: “We want to make our roads and footpaths as safe as possible for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to use and enjoy.”

The MPs views are shared by Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews who has also raised his concerns about overgrown grass verges with senior roads officials.

He said the bottom line is that there is currently no money to cut verges to help make roads and junctions across the district safer as the grass cutting budget has been seriously curtailed.

Councillor Andrews said the blame for the overgrown verges does not lie with local roads officials, but the fact the DRD has no money to finance this particular service.

“The reduced financial allocation means there has been no routine weed spraying this summer and we are faced with a situation where local roads officials cannot spend money they do not have,” he declared.

Councillor Andrews said he is aware of concern in Killyleagh and many other towns and villages about the proliferation of weeds and hopes the issue can be addressed.

“The weeds are unsightly and do nothing to enhance the image of a town famous for its castle and Royal connections. A solution to the current budgetary issue to allow finance to be directed towards grass verge cutting and weed spraying must be found as soon as possible,” he said.

A concerned Killyleagh resident who took a number of photographs of overgrown weeds in the town centre and on the approach road from Shrigley, revealed she has contacted roads officials and Newry, Mourne and Down Council to highlight the issue but “no one seems to have money to spray weeds or clear litter from the local shoreline. 

She added: “There seems to be enough money to pay someone to clean-up Newcastle beach and also provide pensions for former council employees who have retired. I am very disappointed with the lack of enthusiasm for Killyleagh,” she added.